Post by syntax
Meet Brandon Prince, better known in the community as syntax. He’s an industry veteran who has been navigating the hacking scene since the mid-90s, but you’re just as likely to find him behind a set of turntables as you are behind a terminal. As a Tech Engagement Manager at Bugcrowd, syntax bridges the gap between customers and hackers, ensuring everyone gets the most out of their crowdsourced security engagements. Whether he’s composing music, hacking IoT espresso machines with his crew at DCZia, or speaking at BSides Philly, Brandon is a firm believer that technology and creativity are two sides of the same coin.
This blog looks into syntax’s experience representing Bugcrowd at a BSides event, his journey as a hacker, and how music and creativity fuel his technical work.
BSides Philly and the wider BSides movement are indispensable for hackers, both new and experienced. These are more than just conferences; they are community-driven cybersecurity events dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where security professionals of all experience levels can learn, share, and grow together. This dedication is rooted in a belief in the power of community-driven education and making cybersecurity knowledge accessible to everyone.
BSides Philly’s value extends well beyond the talks. The Philly hacker community is composed of amazing, talented people, and BSides Philly actively facilitates connection and career advancement among them. This includes a host of events, such as a hiring brunch/meet-and-greet in the hiring village. These opportunities enable individuals fresh out of school or those looking to meet and talk directly with hiring personnel to determine if a role is a good fit.
As syntax puts it, “Having face time with the people making hiring decisions is such a wonderful opportunity. The laid-back atmosphere of this conference really lends itself to meeting new people, making new connections, and learning.”
Ultimately, whether through hands-on learning, interactive workshops and demonstrations, or the sheer quality of cutting-edge talks from the best and brightest in the country, BSides creates a supportive and collaborative space that truly empowers the hacker community and the greater cybersecurity industry.
syntax’s journey is a master class in staying curious. Although he’s been hacking for decades, his formal involvement with BSides Philly began three years ago from a unique angle: providing the soundtrack. Coming off a stint DJing at DEF CON, he began by spinning tunes for the chill room and afterparty while working as a Senior Pentester for an internal team.
The transition from “artist” to “staff”/”speaker” was a natural evolution fueled by a simple desire to help. “The transition from artist to staff was easy,” syntax recalls. “Most conferences need help, so please volunteer! Do what you can; it will always be appreciated!” From building badges and moving chairs to eventually taking the stage for a candid “no cameras” session, his path highlights that there is no “right” way to get involved. His latest talk wasn’t a technical deep dive like his 2017 presentation on Microsoft language packs; instead, he wanted his talk to be like “that random conversation you have with someone at a con—just stories from many years of being in security!”
When he isn’t at a con, syntax stays busy at Bugcrowd, focusing on scope and hacker success to make sure pen tests actually provide value. “I remember receiving a test that had impossible scope, and at the end of the day, it helped no one,” he says. He further notes that bridging that gap is one of the things he likes best about his current role.
As you’ve probably already guessed, his life is so much more than a regular nine-to-five. He’s an active member of DCZia, a group that takes on projects that range from designing CTFs and building badges to working on cars, motorcycles, and the occasional coffee machine. His workspace facilitates a mix of hardware hacking and musical composition. For Brandon, music isn’t a distraction; it’s a fundamental part of the process. He continues to DJ at clubs across the Southwest and at various conventions across the country.
syntax’s approach to security is deeply human. He recently teamed up with his long-time friend and fellow DCZia member, bv_, for a talk that stepped away from high-level technical slides and focused instead focused on real-world stories of failure. He believes that the industry’s obsession with perfection is a recipe for burnout. “There is such an emphasis on being perfect because it only takes one mistake for attackers to win. That mentality puts so much pressure on security practitioners,” he explains. His technique involves embracing the creative solution over the perfect one and learning from the “gone wrong” moments—like the time he accidentally locked out 30,000 accounts during a test. As he puts it,: “We all learn from the little things that go wrong and… we can’t let mistakes keep us from doing the awesome things.”
So, what’s on the horizon for syntax? Beyond his continued work in tech engagement, syntax is diving back into his musical roots with plans to release an album in 2026.
His ultimate advice for the next generation of hackers? Focus on the people. While CTFs and technical tracks are great, the real magic happens in the hallways. “If you are in the hall at a conference having a good conversation with someone and a presentation you want to see is starting, do not step away from that conversation,” syntax urges. “Those conversations are far more valuable than a talk that you can catch on the internet a week later.”
He credits his own career success to these personal connections, sharing a story about sitting by a pool at BSides Las Vegas, making a friend, and eventually landing a job through that connection a year later. Whether it’s through a shared love of music or a mutual story of a failed script, the connections you make at local events like BSides are the true building blocks of a career. As syntax summarizes, “Learn from others’ mistakes, take some time to make new friends, and save time for good music, which always makes the day a little better!”
For hackers who want to learn more about speaking opportunities or events, follow us on X and Instagram or visit our website. For security teams who want to partner with hackers like syntax, talk to an expert today to see our hacker bench and SaaS platform in action!